I wish I could find other books that move me like this one. I think I'll reread it. A good book deserves more than one read. Even though that book details a heinous crime / crimes against humanity, there is heroism, courage, humanism, and self sacrifice as well.

I would love to find a family of unknown relatives. In Africa or anywhere else. There is almost nothing remaining of my own family. Except the family of humanity, which should be enough.

My grandfather was a soldier in the Philippine-American war in 1907. He used to bring out old photos of a lady who he claimed he married there. I was too young and unsophisticated to ask the questions I should have asked, and know nothing else about her. Soldiers in many places took a bride, and abandoned her on their return. Sad and abusive, but true. Plus, he often told tales to get reactions, so I don't know if true. But maybe I have some distant cousins in that island nation.

Steph, I first realized something was amiss when I heard my Belgian Denoo relatives discuss the Congo and how Belgians treated the Congolese. My investigation started, I ran across studies on King Leopold II, and then decided I needed to hear from Africans. I posted a note on Facebook for Africa Denoo's and I now have about a dozen that I correspond with. None of them speaks badly about Denoo's or Belgium or King Leopold II. So, my quest continues.
These people I correspond with are such lovely, kind, gentle people, always expressing care to each other in their emails and use many endearing words. My travel days are over, and I hope my descendants will meet the African Denoo's. I hope a common ancestor is found; I am proud to share their name.

I'm sorry that the comment I wrote to go with the photos got lost in the shuffle of trying to put pieces together. The point I am trying to make is King Leopold II of Belgium colonized Congo and killed off the thinkers and activists, and subdued the population by forcing men to work by gathering raw rubber from plantations and spreading it on their bodies to bring back to be peeled off, very painfully, and taken by rubber barons at great profit. If the men did not comply, wives and children were put in chains, and if further resistance followed, the hands of wives and children were cut off. The country was so traumatized, and religion was used to subdue them and ultimately control them.
These people who bear the name "Denoo" must be descendents of Belgian Denoo's who went to administer the crimes of the King. I have contacted many of them and they are lovely people, very gentle, speak very lovingly to each other and kindly to me. I would very much like to meet them in person and know they are my kin.
Notice how Belgian I look, and how African these fine people appear. I understand your concern about their religiosity, and in this case, I hold them in very high regard. They found a way to survive with integrity and decency, in spite of what happened to their ancestors.
Be sure to check the Album: Denoo's in Africa.